Pakistan fast bowler Hasan Ali has made a significant statement regarding India’s participation in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled to be held in Pakistan from February to March. Despite speculation about matches potentially being moved to a neutral venue due to India’s reluctance to travel to Pakistan, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) remains adamant about hosting all matches within the country.
Hasan Ali, who was named Player of the Tournament in the 2017 Champions Trophy, has expressed his views candidly. Speaking on a local television channel, Hasan emphasized the importance of separating sports from politics. “If we’re willing to play in India, then they should reciprocate by coming to Pakistan. Many have stressed that sports should not be entangled with political issues,” Hasan remarked.
He further elaborated that several Indian cricketers have expressed a desire to play in Pakistan in various interviews, indicating that the hesitation does not lie with the players themselves but with the governing bodies and national policies. “Indian players have shown interest in playing here. It’s not that the team doesn’t want to come; they do. But they have their own protocols and considerations,” Hasan explained.
Reiterating the PCB’s stance, Hasan added, “Our chairman has made it clear that the Champions Trophy will be held in Pakistan. If India chooses not to participate, we will proceed without them. Cricket will continue in Pakistan regardless of their decision. The absence of one team does not mean the end of the tournament; there are other nations ready to compete.”
The PCB has proposed that matches be held in Karachi, Rawalpindi, and Lahore, with all of India’s games scheduled to take place in Lahore. The PCB argues that there is no compelling reason for India to refuse to play in Pakistan, as the other participating teams have already played in the country.
The Champions Trophy 2025 will mark the tournament’s return after an eight-year gap, the last edition being in 2017 when Pakistan triumphed over India in the final. The PCB has slated the tournament dates from February 19 to March 9, 2025, and remains hopeful that all scheduled matches will take place as planned.
